Move the Embassy to Jerusalem (CIDI)

May 17, 2017, 4:48 pm

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May 17, 2017

WASHINGTON — Approximately 60 Christian leaders, representing 60 million Christians across America, signed a letter delivered yesterday to President Donald Trump calling on him to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and thus recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The letter states, “The time has come, at long last, to uphold American law by moving the U.S. Embassy to Israel’s eternal indivisible capital city of Jerusalem.” Referencing the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, the letter noted that Congress had recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and called for the U.S. Embassy to be moved there by May 31, 1999. On October 23, 1995, Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995. The law passed the Senate by 93-5 and the House by 374-37. Yet the law was never implemented because of opposition from former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama.

The letter continues, “The Republican National Convention’s official 2016 Platform rightly stated, ‘We recognize Jerusalem as the eternal and indivisible capital of the Jewish state and call for the American embassy to be moved there in fulfillment of U.S. law. Moreover, we were honored and grateful that you pledged to specifically uphold this policy in response to a request from the American Christian Leaders for Israel coalition during your campaign. Many of our constituents cast their vote for you due to this commitment.’”

President Trump is scheduled to become the first incumbent U.S. president to visit the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem during his first visit to Israel next week. President Trump will also visit Jerusalem, Masada, and Bethlehem.

“Jerusalem is the eternal and undivided capital of Israel. Kind David established Jerusalem as the capital of Israel 3,000 years ago,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and Chairman of Covenant Journey. “It has been, is, and shall remain the capital of Israel. It is time America recognized the obvious. To not recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel contradicts the Bible, history and present-day reality. Refusal to recognize Jerusalem is anti-Semitic. It’s time for the United States to move the Embassy to Jerusalem, and the President’s visit to Israel would be an ideal time for him to make that announcement,” said Staver.

Mat Staver will arrive in Israel the same day President Trump arrives. He will be leading Christian, college student leaders from 30 colleges and universities as part of Covenant Journey. The Covenant Journey group will be in Israel during the 50-year anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem, celebrated on May 24.

Liberty Counsel is an international litigation, education, and policy organization. Liberty Counsel has a number of affiliated ministries, including Christians in Defense of Israel and Covenant Journey, a program that provides a life-changing experience in Israel for Christian college-age students who have leadership potential. Find out more at www.LC.org and www.CovenantJourney.org.

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Israel situation CRITICAL (CIDI)

May 18, 2017, 7:49 am

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In just over 72 hours, I depart for a very important trip to Israel that coincides with President Trump’s historic visit to the Holy Land. With President Trump expected to announce CRITICAL decisions impacting U.S. relations with Israel, I have instructed our team to make one more petition delivery prior to the President’s visit.

We must do everything in our power to urge President Trump to make it clear to the world that the United States unquestionably honors Jerusalem as the undisputed and undivided capital of Israel by moving the U.S. Embassy there.

My staff needs to finalize this petition or delivery by EOD today. As of this morning, we did not have your name on our “Move The U.S. Embassy To Jerusalem” petition. Please go here now to sign so I can include your voice in this effort.

And see below for more details.

Mat Staver

(Original Message)

President Trump made a campaign promise to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. It’s up to friends of Israel, like you and me, to insist he follows through. Jerusalem is not just the rightful capital of Israel, sacred to the Jewish people; it’s also home to the holiest sites of the Christian faith. Please see my important update below to learn how you can make your voice heard THIS WEEK in support of America’s greatest ally in the Middle East — Mat.

May 16, 2017

From the desk of:
Mat Staver, President
Christians in Defense of Israel

The Trump administration is under increasing pressure to NOT move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem — the Jewish state’s rightful and eternal capital. But, by not doing so, the President would break a key promise he made throughout his campaign and repeated since entering the Oval Office. According to a report by CNN:

“Top officials at the State Department, Department of Defense and the U.S. intelligence community are urging the White House not to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, warning that such a decision would be harmful to the peace process and carry broader regional risks. … Despite those warnings, some of Trump’s top advisers are urging him to make good on his promise to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and announce plans to move the embassy there during his visit next week, and Trump has yet to reach a decision, two White House officials confirmed.”

Also making news is an ugly spat that erupted this week between the State Department advance team and the Israeli Prime Minister’s staff over Trump’s visit to the Western Wall. On Monday, Israeli media outlets reported:

“In a bitter diplomatic incident, a senior member of the US delegation making preparations for Donald Trump’s visit to Israel next week angrily rejected a request that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accompany the president when he visits the Western Wall, and then sniped at his Israeli counterparts that the Western Wall is ‘not your territory. It’s part of the West Bank.’”

As opponents of an embassy move raise their voices, I want you to know I believe that it’s exactly the right thing to do at this crucial time.

Moving the embassy to Jerusalem would send a powerful message to the United Nations and the entire international community.Quite frankly, we are fed up with the rampant rise in anti-Semitism over the past few years. And now that the anti-Israel administration of Barack Obama is no more, we’re calling on Mr. Trump to honor his campaign promise to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem without further delay.

+ + Take Action: Sign The “Move The U.S. Embassy” Petition

By signing the national “Move the U.S. Embassy” petition, you’ll make your voice heard by calling on the President and congressional leaders to relocate America’s embassy to Jerusalem. You can help send a strong, clear message by adding your name now! With a single click, call on Mr. Trump and Congress to move America’s embassy to the rightful and eternal capital city of Israel.

Please join me in urging President Trump and congressional leaders to make it clear to the world that the United States unquestionably honors Jerusalem as the undisputed and undivided capital of Israel by moving the U.S. Embassy there. One click here and your name will be added instantly:

Our hope is that the President announces during his visit to Israel next week that the U.S. will finally move its embassy to Jerusalem. We also want to see Mr. Trump use his historic journey to the Holy Land to make a formal declaration that the American government recognizes all of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

At 9:00 a.m. ET on Friday, we will begin the process of delivering “Move the U.S. Embassy” petitions to the White House and the Capitol. Before his historic visit, we want to encourage President Trump and congressional leaders to make a bold stand for our greatest ally in the Middle East. Make sure you’re included in this important petition delivery, by clicking here now.

While the President is in Jerusalem, Christians in Defense of Israel, in cooperation with Liberty Counsel, will be there as well to plant a flag of support for the nation of Israel! My wife Anita and I are leading a special Covenant Journey experience to train future leaders, while at the same time raising the profile of Christians in Defense of Israel as we meet with Israeli business leaders. We’ll explain more about our historic visit to the Holy Land in future emails.

God bless you. God bless Israel. God bless America.

Mat Staver, President
Christians in Defense of Israel

P.S. Again, Christians in Defense of Israel is petitioning the Trump administration and congressional leaders to move the U.S. Embassy to the City of David. Please join me in taking action on Israel’s behalf. I am confident that God has called us to strongly support the Jewish state, its people, and Jerusalem as the rightful and eternal capital of Israel “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Make your voice heard by clicking here or on the banner below to instantly sign the national “Move the U.S. Embassy” petition:

Click here to read and manually sign the petition.

P.P.S. Don’t miss our exclusive 13-part series “Why Israel Matters” on Trinity Broadcasting Network. This inspiring and informational program can be seen on the following days and times:

Tuesdays @ 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
Wednesdays @ 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT
Fridays @ 4:30 a.m. ET / 1:30 a.m. PT

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Liberty Counsel Ranks Among Most Effective Conservative Organizations

May 18, 2017, 9:49 am

≫ Next: Here is how you can make an immediate difference! (CIDI)

≪ Previous: Israel situation CRITICAL (CIDI)

May 18, 2017

ORLANDO, FL — A survey of politically active Christians found that Liberty Counsel was named thetop 12 most effective organization, making “the most positive impact on American society during 2016,” according to the American Culture & Faith Institute (Culture and Faith Institute). This ranking is remarkable out of 1.5 million non-profits and an estimated 28 million businesses. In another article, the Culture and Faith Institute named leaders popular among conservatives, which included Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel, among those perceived to have ushered in positive cultural transformation in 2016.

Liberty Counsel Award “This is an incredible honor and I want to thank God for providing the vision and the resources so our team can show up in the lives of some phenomenal people,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. “In 2016, we stood in the gap for individuals like Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis, undercover journalist Sandra ‘Susan’ Merritt, Chief Justice Roy Moore, and even a 7-year-old child in California when a sheriff told him to stop handing Bible verses to his friends. These people are committed to serving God no matter the cost and Liberty Counsel exists to serve them and every future person who comes under fire for living out their faith, for as long as we are able,” said Staver.

Liberty Counsel has been actively involved in the courts and in helping to shape public policy at the national, state, and local levels advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of human life and the family. CBS Evening News featured Liberty Counsel for its work on religious liberty opposing the LGBT agenda. Liberty Counsel has been involved in many high profile legal cases, including Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis. Liberty Counsel represents Child Evangelism Fellowship and has never lost a case in the court of last resort.

Staver, the Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, also served on the Resolutions Committee for the Southern Baptist Convention last year, which passed religious liberty, pro-life and pro-Israel resolutions.

Staver is also the Founder and President of Covenant Journey, an affiliated ministry of Liberty Counsel, which provides a life-changing experience in Israel for Christian, college-age students who have leadership potential. This ministry has mentored students from more than 230 colleges and universities.

Christians in Defense of Israel is an educational and advocacy ministry of Liberty Counsel. Liberty Counsel also partners with Liberty Relief International, a humanitarian relief ministry that helps persecuted Christians around the world. And Liberty Prayer Network is an international prayer intercessory ministry of Liberty Counsel.

“The Liberty Counsel team-members are like family. They are mission-driven. While many people still think of Liberty Counsel as only a public interest law firm, the ministry has grown over nearly 30 years. While we continue to be a public interest law firm advancing religious liberty, life, and family in the courts, we have also grown to include public policy, pro-Israel advocacy, mentorship and training for Christian youth, humanitarian relief for persecuted Christians, and a prayer intercessory ministry,” said Staver.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.

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Here is how you can make an immediate difference! (CIDI)

May 19, 2017, 1:49 pm

≫ Next: I’m on my way to Israel (CIDI)

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In the midst of President Trump’s controversy-filled trip to Israel, Christians in Defense of Israel team members can help us plant a “flag” of support for Israel when we travel to the Holy Land this weekend.

Please see my important update below on how you can help make a tremendous difference – Mat.

Days before President Trump descends on Israel as part of his first foreign trip, his agenda has already created a sandstorm of controversies. Among them, several reports have emerged that the President will not announce plans to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem during his trip and intends to delay the promised move. Yet, yesterday, the Times of Israel reported, “A US official on Thursday denied reports that President Donald Trump had decided to indefinitely postpone moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.” According to this most recent report, President Trump has not ruled out a move, and may make an announcement following his trip.

Christians in Defense of Israel has been and will remain on the leading edge of reminding the president to keep his promise and move the embassy. Today, over 54,000 petitions are being delivered to the White House and to key congressional leaders on Capitol Hill. We are reminding the president and other leaders that to delay or not move the Embassy is a sign of weakness that will embolden the enemies of Israel. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. This is not as complex a decision as some argue. Move the Embassy.

+ + No controversy. Our trip to Israel will be historic!

This Sunday, Anita and I begin a historic journey to Israel. The timing of this trip is truly a Godsend.

Here’s why:

At precisely the same time the President is in Jerusalem, I will also be in the Holy Land representing you and Christians in Defense of Israel team members, as we boldly plant our “flag” of support for the nation of Israel!

Anita and I will be leading a special Covenant Journey experience to raise up future Christian leaders who will serve as spiritual ambassadors for Israel. We will also, at the same time, be advancing the profile of Christians in Defense of Israel, as we meet with Israeli leaders in the fields of technology, communications and defense — precisely when the President’s delegation is in the Holy Land!

While the President’s trip will certainly be scrutinized by the media, shrouded in controversy, and disrupted by protestors, our Covenant Journey team will be fostering powerful friendships between our young ambassadors and the Israelis who make this tiny nation a worldwide force. As an added bonus, we will walk where Jesus walked. These are life-changing experiences.

Over the past several days, I’ve made you aware of an immediate need. Specifically, we need to raise $10,000 over and above our normal operating budget right now to support this incredible mission, as well as my leadership role in a historic effort to train young leaders through the Covenant Journey experience.

As of today we remain short of our goal. Can I count on your help? Please go here now to make your best tax-deductible gift to support this historic outreach and help me personally represent your voice as a supporter of Israel in the Holy Land at this critical time:

I pray that you will join with us in this historic endeavor by supporting us in this vital mission to represent your voice and the voice of thousands of Christians who are standing in defense of Israel.

God bless you. God bless Israel. God bless America.

Mat

P.S. Covenant Journey immerses college-age students in the land of the Bible and connects them to the roots of our Christian faith. The Bible and Jesus become more real and meaningful. And, of course, in learning about ancient and modern Israel and the Jewish people, the students fall in love with and become advocates for Israel.

If you believe in our mission to stand as DEFENDERS OF ISRAEL, please go here to make your best possible contribution to help me and our entire team as we embark on this Historic Israel Outreach.

Thank you, in advance, for helping us plant a “flag” of support and increase the impact of Christians in Defense of Israel, when we travel to the Holy Land this weekend.

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I’m on my way to Israel (CIDI)

May 21, 2017, 8:52 am

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≪ Previous: Here is how you can make an immediate difference! (CIDI)

Sunday:

This afternoon, I depart for a very important trip to Israel that coincides with President Trump’s historic visit to the Holy Land. I am excited at the opportunity we will have for briefings from leaders in the fields of television, technology and journalism. We will also be meeting with members of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF).

Through Liberty Counsel’s special outreach called Christians In Defense Of Israel, the Lord has opened this amazing door to be in Israel during the President’s historic visit. The timing is vitally important because we expect that the anti-Israel and anti-Semitic forces will be actively engaged in opposing and even disrupting President Trump’s visit.

I have been blessed to visit the Holy Land on many occasions, but never at a more important time. That’s why I urgently need your help.

I’m asking trusted and key supporters like you to come alongside Anita and me to lift up this effort in prayer and help underwrite the costs of this historic outreach that will train future leaders and represent Christians who love Israel at this historic time.

Specifically, we need to raise $10,000 over and above our normal operating budget to support this incredible mission, as well as my leadership role in a historic effort to train leaders through the Covenant Journey experience.

Can I count on your help? Please go here now to make your best tax-deductible gift to support this historic outreach and help me personally represent your voice as a supporter of Israel in the Holy Land at this critical time:

Our hope is that President Trump will make a bold declaration of America’s support for the sovereign nation of Israel.

Thank you, in advance, for helping us plant a “flag” of support and increase the impact of Christians in Defense of Israel. May God bless you.

Mat

P.S. I’m thrilled to be in Israel as the same time as President Trump, as we plant a “flag” of support for the nation of Israel! Will you partner with me in this historic Israel outreach? We need in excess of $10,000 to support our leadership role in this effort, while we train leaders through the Covenant Journey experience. Click here or on the banner below to help now:

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Covenant Journey Tour Lands in Israel

May 22, 2017, 1:15 pm

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May 22, 2017

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL — Today, 44 students from 30 different colleges and universities landed in Israel to begin the third year of Covenant Journey experiential summer tours. Led by Mat Staver, Founder and President of Covenant Journey, Chairman of Christians in Defense of Israel and Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, the students began their 10-day tour visiting Caesarea Maritima, where the Apostle Paul appealed to Caesar and was sent to Rome. The Covenant Journey tour continues as they connect to the roots of their Christian faith throughout Northern Israel, Tiberius, Jerusalem, Negev and the Dead Sea.

Covenant Journey students, following the footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land, were featured recently on the Why Israel Matters original television series on Trinity Broadcasting Network. The “Footsteps” episode, hosted by Mat Staver, provides a glimpse of the Covenant Journey experience in the Holy Land for these Christian, college-age students, who are leaders on their campuses and in their communities.

Covenant Journey provides a life-changing experience with the primary goals to strengthen students’ Christian faith and equip them to be goodwill ambassadors for Israel. Qualified students pay $500 and the rest of the trip is underwritten, including air fare from New York, hotels, three meals a day, luxury tour bus, entrance fees, expert guides, spiritual leaders and expert speakers. Covenant Journey students have come from over 230 private and public colleges and universities, including Ivy League schools, such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth and more.

“I am excited to see what God will do in the lives and hearts of these Covenant Journey students,” said Staver. “This incredible experiential tour immerses them in the land of the Bible and connects them to the roots of our Christian faith. The Bible and Jesus become more real and meaningful. And, of course, in learning about ancient and modern Israel and the Jewish people, these students will fall in love with and become advocates for Israel,” said Staver.

Covenant Journey is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ministry affiliated with Liberty Counsel. For more information, visit www.CovenantJourney.org or call 407-875-1967.

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President Trump Has Wavered In His Embassy Promise (CIDI)

May 23, 2017, 10:54 am

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≪ Previous: Covenant Journey Tour Lands in Israel

May 23, 2017

President Donald Trump concluded his visit to Israel today with a speech at the Israel Museum in which he vowed to stand with Israel in the global war on terror, but he did not mention moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, settlement construction or a Palestinian State.

President Trump lavished praise on Israel and the Jewish people and mentioned how moved he was yesterday at the Western Wall. He acknowledged Jewish suffering over thousands of years and said he joined in pledging, after laying a wreath at Yad Vashem, “Never again.”

Trump said, “Israel is testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Jewish people. From all parts of this great country, one message resounds, and that is the message of hope. Down through the ages, the Jewish people have suffered persecution, oppression, and… [others have] sought their destruction. …I make this promise to you: My administration will always stand with Israel.”

Mat Staver arrived in Tel Aviv on Monday, the same day as President Trump, with 44 Christian college-age leaders with the Covenant Journey ministry.

“President Trump’s speech was historic in his strong support of Israel and his resolute promise to not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon which Iran would launch against Israel,” said Staver. “For this strong expression of support for Israel I am grateful,” said Staver. “But he has wavered in his promise to move the Embassy to Jerusalem. President Trump promised to move the Embassy and he had referred to Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided capital of Israel. But today he never mentioned the Embassy and referred to Jerusalem as a “sacred city” with significant importance.

“Mr. President – move the Embassy to Jerusalem, the undivided and eternal capital of Israel. We will hold you to your promise. Anything less will be seen as a sign of weakness by the enemies of Israel,” said Staver.

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Covenant Journey Arrives During Celebration of Jerusalem (CIDI)

May 24, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Report from Jerusalem (CIDI)

≪ Previous: President Trump Has Wavered In His Embassy Promise (CIDI)

May 24, 2017

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – Today Israelis celebrate Jerusalem Day, the 50th anniversary commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control in the aftermath of the June 1967 Six-Day War. As part of the celebrations taking place this week in the capital, thousands of Israelis will participate in a march that will begin in the center of town and lead into the Old City.

Covenant Journey students, led by Mat Staver, Founder and President of Covenant Journey, Chairman of Christians in Defense of Israel and Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, will arrive during the celebrations in Jerusalem tomorrow and visit Beit She’an, Mount Carmel and Mount Megiddo. These 44 college-age leaders from 30 different colleges and universities will continue the journey on Friday by following the footsteps of Jesus at the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, the City of David and the Western Wall.

The Covenant Journey ministry was featured recently on the Why Israel Matters original television series on Trinity Broadcasting Network. The “Footsteps” episode, hosted by Mat Staver, provides a glimpse of the Covenant Journey experience in the Holy Land for these Christian students who are leaders on their college campuses and in their communities.

“It is an incredible opportunity for these Covenant Journey students to be in Jerusalem this week as the Old City celebrates its reunification,” said Staver. “Since we landed in Israel on Monday, their eyes and hearts have already been opened in new ways to ancient and modern Israel. It will be an especially significant time as we follow in Jesus’ footsteps leading up to His death and resurrection. They have already fallen more in love with their Savior and the Jewish people,” said Staver.

Covenant Journey is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ministry affiliated with Liberty Counsel. For more information, visit www.CovenantJourney.org or call 407-875-1967.

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Report from Jerusalem (CIDI)

May 27, 2017, 4:45 am

≫ Next: Impending Deadline for Embassy Move

≪ Previous: Covenant Journey Arrives During Celebration of Jerusalem (CIDI)

Saturday greetings from Jerusalem

We are in the final stages of our Israel outreach as we take future leaders through Jerusalem on the path of Jesus’ footsteps leading up to His death and resurrection. Consider all that has transpired during our time in Israel…

We arrived in Jerusalem on Jerusalem Day, the 50th anniversary commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control in the aftermath of the June 1967 Six-Day War.And …

At precisely the same time the President was in Jerusalem, we were in the Holy Land representing you and Christians in Defense of Israel team members, as we boldly plant our “flag” of support for the nation of Israel!

Give the historic nature of this outreach, I’m coming to you to ask for your help to meet our critical need.

Specifically, we need to raise $10,000 over and above our normal operating budget right now to support this incredible mission. As of my writing today, we are still short of reaching that goal with just a few days remaining in the month.

Can I count on your help? Every gift, no matter the size, will be a tremendous blessing in helping us meet this need. Go here or click on the image below to make a special tax-deductible gift to support Christians In Defense Of Israel’s historic outreach and to continue other vital efforts in defense of Israel:

Through Covenant Journey, we are raising up future Christian leaders who will serve as spiritual ambassadors for Israel while connecting them to the roots of our Christian faith. Their eyes and hearts have already been opened in new ways to ancient and modern Israel.

And… with every opportunity afforded us, we plant a “flag” of support and increase the impact of Christians in Defense of Israel.

If you believe in CIDI’s mission to stand as DEFENDERS OF ISRAEL and our efforts to train up a new generation of advocates for Israel, please go here to make your best possible contribution to help us as we wrap up this Historic Israel Outreach.

God bless you. God bless Israel. God bless America.

Mat

P.S. We are still far short of meeting our expenses of this historic Israel outreach. Can I count on your help today? Please go here now to make your best tax-deductible gift.

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Impending Deadline for Embassy Move

May 31, 2017, 5:44 pm

≫ Next: When Will President Trump Move the Embassy? (CIDI)

≪ Previous: Report from Jerusalem (CIDI)

May 31, 2017

WASHINGTON – Tomorrow at midnight is the deadline for President Trump to not sign the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 waiver, effectively allowing the U.S. Embassy to move to its rightful location of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital.

On October 23, 1995, Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and requiring the U.S. Embassy to be moved there by May 31, 1999. The law passed the Senate by 93-5 and the House by 374-37. Yet the law was never implemented because of opposition from former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama. Each president took advantage of a waiver provision in the Jerusalem Embassy Act, enabling them to certify, every six months, that it is not yet time to move the U.S. embassy to Israel’s rightful and eternal capital city.

President Obama signed his final waiver of the Jerusalem Embassy Act on December 1, 2016. The next presidential waiver would have to be signed by midnight tomorrow, June 1.

“President Trump must not follow in the footsteps of previous presidents and sign the Jerusalem Embassy Act waiver,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and Chairman of Covenant Journey. “Congress signed the Jerusalem Embassy Act in 1999. Eighteen years waiting is more than enough. It is beyond time for the United States to move the Embassy to Jerusalem. To not recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel contradicts the Bible, history, present-day reality, and is anti-Semitic. Move the Embassy! Keeping the Embassy in Tel Aviv has not brought the Palestinian Authority to the table to talk peace. The Hamas government in Gaza has no interest in peace. This year, being the 50^th anniversary of a united Jerusalem, is the perfect time to move the Embassy to the capital of Israel,” said Staver.

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When Will President Trump Move the Embassy? (CIDI)

June 1, 2017, 6:59 am

≫ Next: Celebrating the Reunification of Jerusalem

≪ Previous: Impending Deadline for Embassy Move

Jun 1, 2017

WASHINGTON – President Trump signed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 six-month waiver, which continues to delay the move of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. So, the question is when will the President fulfill his promise to move the Embassy?

For nearly 70 years, the U.S. Embassy has been based in Tel Aviv. When Jerusalem was unified under control of Israel in 1967, the Embassy should have been moved to the capital. On October 23, 1995, Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and requiring the U.S. Embassy to be moved there by May 31, 1999. Yet every president since 1995, including now Donald Trump, has signed the waiver enabling them to certify, every six months, to leave the Embassy in Tel Aviv, as stipulated in the Jerusalem Embassy Act.

Obama signed his final waiver of the Jerusalem Embassy Act on December 1, 2016. President Trump’s deadline to sign the waiver was midnight tonight. He has now signed that waiver.

Press Secretary Sean Spicer insisted that President Trump has not waivered on his pledge to move the Embassy, saying it is “not a matter of if, but when.”

“President Trump must keep his promise to move the Embassy to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and Chairman of Covenant Journey.

“Jerusalem has been unified for 50 years and the Embassy has remained in Tel Aviv. Fifty years of keeping the Embassy outside the capital of Jerusalem has not brought peace. Not moving the Embassy to Jerusalem when President Trump promised he would move it will be seen as a sign of weakness among the enemies of Israel. It is time to move the Embassy to Jerusalem. Fulfill your promise to move the Embassy to Jerusalem during the 50^th anniversary of a united Jerusalem,” said Staver.

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Celebrating the Reunification of Jerusalem

June 6, 2017, 1:13 pm

≫ Next: Today, a miracle happened (CIDI)

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Jun 6, 2017

WASHINGTON – In recognition of the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967 during the Six-Day War, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved Senate Resolution 176, which reaffirms the historic Jewish connection to Jerusalem and marks the 50th anniversary of its reunification.

Authored by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic Leader Charles Schumer, the bipartisan resolution recognizes “there has been a continuous Jewish presence in Jerusalem for three millennia” and hails Jerusalem as a “united city in which the rights of all faiths have been respected and protected” since 1967. The Senate Resolution also called on President Trump to abide by the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, which calls for the Embassy to be moved to Jerusalem.

From 1948 to 1967, Israeli citizens from all religious backgrounds and Jewish and Christian people of all nationalities could not access East Jerusalem’s Old City and holy sites, including the historic Western Wall that dates back to the Second Temple. On June 7, Israel Defense Forces reached the Western Wall. Israel immediately permitted the world to access this holy site.

This week in Jerusalem for the first time, people also gathered for an Israeli government sponsored Jerusalem Prayer Event (June 6-8) with over 500 Christians and Jews from 56 nations to stand in solidarity and pray for Israel. The song, “Holy, Holy, Holy” was sung in the Knesset.

Mat Staver, Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey, will attend a Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Reunification of Jerusalem tomorrow at the Capitol Visitors Center sponsored by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, the Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer and the Israeli government. The event will commemorate 50 years to the day the IDF soldiers liberated Jerusalem and reached the Western Wall. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein will speak by telecast.

“It will be an honor to be at the Capitol tomorrow in celebration of this 50^th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem with Christians and Jews in support of Israel,” said Staver. “We commend the Senate for unanimously approving Senate Resolution 176 to reaffirm the Jewish roots to Jerusalem and reaffirming the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995. The history and heritage of America and our faith are united with Israel. Our destiny is united with Israel,” said Staver.

Liberty Counsel and Christians in Defense of Israel produced a 13-part original series being aired on TBN called “Why Israel Matters.” Past episodes can be viewed online. Mat Staver and John Aman have just released a beautiful, full-color book called by the same title: Why Israel Matters. The book can be ordered online.

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Today, a miracle happened (CIDI)

June 7, 2017, 12:51 pm

≫ Next: Jerusalem’s 50th Anniversary Commemoration in D.C.

≪ Previous: Celebrating the Reunification of Jerusalem

June 7, 2017

Today I visited the nation’s capital to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the greatest geopolitical miracle in human history — the reunification of Jerusalem.I took part in a very moving commemoration at the Capitol Visitor Center sponsored by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, the Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer, and the Israeli government.
What happened 50 years ago is almost beyond belief…

In 1967, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) faced almost insurmountable odds when a half-million Arab troops from Israel’s neighboring states mobilized their forces along the Israeli border for one purpose: to invade Israel and render the nation non-existent. In a bold move, the IDF surprised the aggressors in a preemptive attack that decimated the Arab Air Force. That was only the beginning.
On June 7th — 50 years ago today — IDF soldiers liberated Jerusalem and reached the Western Wall. The chaplain for the IDF blew a shofar at the Western Wall and Israel immediately permitted the world to access this holy site. Within days, those half-million Arab troops were in full retreat and a cease fire was signed.

+ + My heart is stirred for Jerusalem…

Earlier this week, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution calling on President Trump to move our embassy to Jerusalem. President Trump has delayed moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, as originally mandated by the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, by citing the Middle East peace process as justification.

But in light of this historic anniversary and the Senate’s unanimous resolution, my heart is stirred to double our efforts to press President Trump to finally move our U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, where it belongs.

If possible, I want to reach 100,000 signatures on the national “Move the U.S. Embassy” petition this month. Please stand with Israel today by clicking here or on the link below to sign instantly:

By signing the national “Move the U.S. Embassy” petition, you’ll send a strong, clear message to the Trump administration and leaders in Congress. We delivered more than 56,000 petitions to the White House and congressional leaders on May 22. But now, we need your signature to help us reach the 100,000-petition threshold for our next delivery to the White House and Capitol Hill.

Thank you, in advance, for your support!

Mat Staver, President
Christians in Defense of Israel

P.S. On this day, the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, please help us reach our 100,000-signature goal by instantly adding your name to the national “Move the U.S. Embassy” petition. Go here:

Or click here to read and manually sign the petition.

P.P.S. Don’t miss our exclusive 13-part series “Why Israel Matters” on Trinity Broadcasting Network. This inspiring and informational program can be seen on the following days and times:

Tuesdays @ 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
Wednesdays @ 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT
Fridays @ 4:30 a.m. ET / 1:30 a.m. PT

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Jerusalem’s 50th Anniversary Commemoration in D.C.

June 7, 2017, 1:38 pm

≫ Next: Liberty Counsel Hosts Internships in Washington, D.C., VA, FL, and Israel

≪ Previous: Today, a miracle happened (CIDI)

Jun 7, 2017

WASHINGTON – Today, the Ambassador of Israel to the United States Ron Dermer, along with Speaker Paul Ryan, hosted a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Congressional Auditorium. Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein and Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu were broadcast live from the Knesset in Jerusalem. Sitting beside the Prime Minister was the new U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman. Events were organized in all 50 states to join via video conference and several governors spoke statements of support.

Mat Staver and Hunter Stoner
Mat Staver, Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey, attended today, along with Covenant Journey Alumni Hunter Stoner who is interning in Liberty Counsel’s DC office. Speaker Edelstein urged President Trump to move the Embassy to Jerusalem and recognize it as the official capital of Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke of growing up in Jerusalem surrounded by snipers and bombs before the Six-Day War and the reunification of Jerusalem. Netanyahu said, “Now, there is one city where Christians, Jews and Muslims are free to worship. And that is Jerusalem. Jerusalem will never be divided again.”

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu

Today’s event was a historic joining of two nations to commemorate 50 years ago when the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) liberated Jerusalem and reached the Western Wall. It was one of the biggest underdog victories in the history of warfare, with fewer than a thousand Israeli casualties compared to over 20,000 from the Arab forces.

From 1948 to 1967, Israeli citizens from all religious backgrounds as well as Jewish and Christian people of all nationalities could not access East Jerusalem’s Old City and holy sites, including the historic Western Wall that dates back to the Second Temple. On June 7, 1967, IDF paratroopers advanced through the Old City toward the Temple Mount and the Western Wall, bringing Jerusalem’s holiest site under Jewish control for the first time in 2000 years.

The commander of the brigade, Lt. General Mordechai (Motta) Gur, approached the Old City and announced to his company commanders, “We’re sitting right now on the ridge and we’re seeing the Old City. Shortly we’re going to go in to the Old City of Jerusalem, that all generations have dreamed about. We will be the first to enter the Old City…” and shortly afterwards, “The Temple Mount is in our hands! I repeat, the Temple Mount is in our hands!” General Rabbi Shlomo Goren, chief chaplain of the IDF, sounded the Shofar at the Western Wall to signify its liberation.

General Uzi Narkiss, head of central command during the Six Day War, said “The Wall was before us. I trembled. There it was as I had known it—immense, mighty, in all its splendor…overcome, I bowed my head in silence.”

Israeli forces rapidly defeated the four Arab states — Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq — and gained control of the Old City of Jerusalem. In six days of fighting, Israel occupied the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, the Golan Heights of Syria, and the West Bank and Arab sector of East Jerusalem, both previously under Jordanian rule. By the time a United Nations cease-fire took effect on June 11, Israel had more than doubled its size.

“It was an honor to be at the Capitol in celebration of this 50^th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, with Christians and Jews in support of Israel,” said Staver. “This event linked together Israel and the United States with a historic commemoration of the reunification of Jerusalem, the eternal and undivided capital of Israel,” said Staver.

Children Singing Israel’s National Anthem at Knesset

Attendees Joined via Video Conference from 50 StatesLiberty Counsel is an international litigation, education, and policy organization. Liberty Counsel has a number of affiliated ministries, including Christians in Defense of Israel and Covenant Journey, a program that provides a life-changing experience in Israel for Christian college-age students who have leadership potential. Find out more at www.LC.org and www.CovenantJourney.org.

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Liberty Counsel Hosts Internships in Washington, D.C., VA, FL, and Israel

June 14, 2017, 10:56 am

≫ Next: UNESCO’s Hebron Resolution Denounces Israel Heritage

≪ Previous: Jerusalem’s 50th Anniversary Commemoration in D.C.

Jun 14, 2017

ORLANDO, FL – Liberty Counsel is providing valuable experience through a variety of internship opportunities in Florida, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Israel. This summer, there are seven students who attend Liberty University Law School, two who attend Liberty University, as well as individual students from Antonin Scalia Law School, John Hopkins University, Taylor University and Southeastern University.

In Washington, D.C, students work on national and state public policy. They attend legislative hearings, research legislation, write articles and receive media training. The subject matter varies but covers the gamut of domestic and international public policy.

Law students participate in litigation internships, and some participate in the Constitutional Litigation Clinic, where they work on actual cases that have national importance. Other college students receive valuable internship experience in areas of Israel, public relations, religious freedom, the sanctity of human life, and marriage and family.

This year, Liberty Counsel’s affiliated ministry, Covenant Journey, will also host an intern from Liberty University in Israel. The internship program in Israel began last year with students who participated in a Covenant Journey tour. Liberty Counsel created Covenant Journey to take Christian college students who have leadership potential to Israel to strengthen their Christian faith and equip them to be goodwill ambassadors for the Holy Land and the Jewish people.

“Liberty Counsel provides unique, practical experience to prepare students for careers in law, public policy, communications, and anything related to Israel,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. “It is critical that we invest in our future generation to equip them to be world-changers,” said Staver.
2017 Florida Interns

2017 Washington, D.C. and Virginia Interns

2017 Israel Intern

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.

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UNESCO’s Hebron Resolution Denounces Israel Heritage

July 10, 2017, 12:05 pm

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Jul 10, 2017

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee passed a resolution last Friday which declares that the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron is a Palestinian heritage site. Twelve of the World Heritage Committee’s 21 member states voted in favor of the resolution, three opposed it and six abstained.

The Hebron resolution, debated as part of the committee’s 41st annual summit in Krakow, Poland, names the Tomb of the Patriarchs as the third cultural site on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger that is in the “State of Palestine.” The other two are the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem and the “cultural landscape of southern Jerusalem, Battir.” The Palestinians submitted the Hebron motion via an expedited procedure, claiming that the area was “threatened” and that Israel was “vandalizing” the site. The committee will convene each year to discuss them.

The resolution refers to Hebron as “Islamic” and denies thousands of years of Jewish history as well as Christian ties to the site. The biblical patriarchs Abraham and Isaac, as well as the matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca and Leah are believed to be buried there as documented in Genesis, chapter 23.

As a result of UNESCO’s recent resolution, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to cut an additional $1 million from Israel’s U.N. membership dues. Netanyahu will transfer the funds to the establishment of the Museum of the Heritage of the Jewish People in Kiryat Arba and Hebron as well as additional heritage initiatives related to the city. Following UNESCO’s resolution in May criticizing Israeli policy in Jerusalem and Gaza, Netanyahu announced that he will slash U.N. funding by $1 million. In April, in response to a U.N. Human Rights Council resolution against the settlements, Netanyahu cut the fees by $2 million.

“This recent UNESCO resolution is another delusional U.N. decision which disregards the historical truth and the Jewish people’s deep connection to Hebron,” said Mat Staver, Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “To refer to Hebron as “Islamic” denies thousands of years of Jewish history as well as Christian ties to the site. The biblical patriarchs Abraham and Isaac, as well as the matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca and Leah are believed to be buried there, and to deny that is another move toward the Palestinian Authority and Hamas renaming the entire land to Palestine and denying Israel’s right to exist,” said Staver.

Liberty Counsel is an international litigation, education and policy organization. Liberty Counsel has a number of affiliated ministries, including Christians in Defense of Israel and Covenant Journey, a program that provides a life-changing experience in Israel for Christian college-age students who have leadership potential.

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Covenant Journey Students Arrive in Israel

July 12, 2017, 6:48 am

≫ Next: Covenant Journey Opens 2018 Applications

≪ Previous: UNESCO’s Hebron Resolution Denounces Israel Heritage

Jul 12, 2017

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – Covenant Journey students, led by Mat Staver, Founder and President of Covenant Journey, Chairman of Christians in Defense of Israel and Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, arrived today in Israel for a life-changing 10-day tour of the Holy Land. These Christian college-age leaders from 33 colleges and universities will follow the footsteps of Jesus, the prophets, and the kings from one end of Israel to the other. Covenant Journey is an immersive experience of the biblical and historical sites. Students will read the Scripture in a new way after being in the places where the events transpired. They will also learn about modern Israel, including business and technology, and geopolitics.

Mat Staver was a recent guest on Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN)’s Praise program, hosted by Matt and Laurie Crouch, and discussed Covenant Journey, Israel, and the Why Israel Matters series, produced by Liberty Counsel and Christians in Defense of Israel. The Covenant Journey ministry was also featured on the Why Israel Matters original television series on TBN. The ‘Footsteps’ episode, hosted by Mat Staver, provides a glimpse of the Covenant Journey experience in the Holy Land for these Christian students who are leaders on their college campuses and in their communities.

“As we tell the students, ‘the journey begins in Israel – and continues for life!’ What happens in Israel does not stay in Israel,” said Staver. “It will be an especially significant time as we follow in Jesus’ footsteps leading up to His death and resurrection. They will fall more in love with Jesus, and their passion to read the Scriptures will increase. These students also become advocates for Israel and the Jewish people. Their lives will never be the same,” said Staver.

Covenant Journey is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ministry affiliated with Liberty Counsel. For more information, visit www.CovenantJourney.org or call 407-875-1967. During the week of July 24, Covenant Journey will open applications for 2018.

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Covenant Journey Opens 2018 Applications

July 17, 2017, 10:57 am

≫ Next: Christians Unite for Israel in DC

≪ Previous: Covenant Journey Students Arrive in Israel

Jul 17, 2017

ORLANDO, FL – Covenant Journey announced it will open applications the week of July 24 for the next year of Covenant Journey life-changing experiences in Israel. Covenant Journey is for Christian college-age students with leadership potential. The mission of Covenant Journey is to strengthen the students’ Christian faith and equip them to be goodwill ambassadors for Israel. Students participate in an immersive experience, visiting biblical and historical sites as well as modern Israel. Praise and worship and powerful spiritual teaching enhance the experience.

Covenant Journey offers Christian college-age students who have leadership potential a life-changing 10-day experience in Israel for only $500. Participating students have come from hundreds of small and large Christian, private, and public colleges and universities, including Ivy League schools, covering every professional and educational spectrum. Covenant Journey alumni are also offered internship opportunities in Israel and the United States, including Washington, D.C. and Orlando, Florida.

“The impact of a Covenant Journey experience in Israel is beyond our original expectation,” said Mat Staver, Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “Many Covenant Journey alumni say this experience was the most impactful experience in their lives. Their Christian faith is strengthened and their knowledge and love for Israel is ignited,” said Staver.

The Covenant Journey tour accepts applications from college-age students who (1) are Christians, (2) have leadership potential, and (3) have some level of support for, or interest in, Israel. College students selected for the tour pay only a $500 registration fee. Everything else is covered by Covenant Journey, including flights from the United States to Tel Aviv, hotel, three meals a day, luxury bus, experienced tour guide, speakers, and all entrance fees. The next journey begins on January 2018.

“The impact of Covenant Journey on the lives of Christian millennials is far beyond what we imagined. It is hard to describe. You just have to experience it,” said Staver.

Covenant Journey began in 2011 and launched its first student experience in 2014. Covenant Journey has offices in Florida and Washington, DC. Applicants must apply online. The Covenant Journey website is www.CovenantJourney.org, and the phone number is 407-875-1967.

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Christians Unite for Israel in DC

July 18, 2017, 11:25 am

≫ Next: Palestinian Muslims Rebel Against Temple Mount Security (CIDI)

≪ Previous: Covenant Journey Opens 2018 Applications

Jul 18, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Christians United for Israel (CUFI), the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States, hosted its 12^th Annual Washington, D.C. Summit yesterday in the Washington Convention Center. Liberty Counsel’s Director of Public Policy, Jonathan Alexandre, and Liberty Counsel’s D.C. interns were among the 5,000 attendees.

The conference emphasized strengthening America’s relationship with Israel, including supporting the Taylor Force Act and other pieces of legislation which would stop all U.S. taxpayer money from going to the Palestinian Authority until it ceases rewarding terrorists and their families for acts against Israel and the United States.

Celebrating 50 years of Jerusalem’s reunification, the San Antonio pastor and founder of the CUFI, John Hagee, spoke about how Israel’s enemies constantly changed tactics, going from conventional war, to guerrilla fighting, to terrorists planting bombs in buses, to suicide bombers, to firing rockets and trying to infiltrate Israel via terrorist tunnels. Hagee also emphasized that the threats of the newest tactic – the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement (BDS) – will continue. “BDS is a manifesto void of any ideology, other than hatred with the sole mission of total and complete destruction of the economy of the State Israel,” Hagee said.

Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer introduced the keynote speaker, Vice President Mike Pence, who spoke from the heart of his love and respect for Israel. Vice President Pence said, “I’m proud to say in my last year as governor, it was my great privilege to sign one of the strongest anti-BDS laws in the America to ensure that our state never does business with those who seek to inflict financial damage on Israel. Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions have no place in my home state and no place in America. And under President Donald Trump, if the world knows nothing else, the world will know this: America stands with Israel. Now and always.”

“The Trump administration and this Congress stand with Israel,” said Alexandre. “The Vice President was unequivocal in his support. Still, it ought to be emphasized that the unique bond of Christians and Jews here in America is central to continuing the ever-strong U.S. and Israeli relations. We were blessed to be a part of this.”

Mat Staver, Founder and President of Covenant Journey, Chairman of Christians in Defense of Israel and Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, is currently in Israel leading Covenant Journey students in a life-changing 10-day tour of the Holy Land. These Christian college-age leaders from 33 colleges and universities are following the footsteps of Jesus, the prophets, and the kings from one end of Israel to the other.

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Palestinian Muslims Rebel Against Temple Mount Security (CIDI)

July 21, 2017, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Jewish Legal Right to the Land Celebrates 95 Years

≪ Previous: Christians Unite for Israel in DC

Jul 21, 2017

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – Following a deadly attack last Friday in which two Israel police officers were murdered and a third was seriously wounded, Israel temporarily closed the Temple Mount because they found that weapons had been smuggled into the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Temple Mount, where the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock are located, was reopened Sunday with metal detectors installed. The Waqf, which Israel has allowed to control the Temple Mount, urged Muslims to refuse to go through the metal detectors and has called for protests and rage against Israel. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has now asked the White House to pressure Israel to remove the metal detectors.

After the metal detectors were installed, some Muslims boycotted the site and taunted the police. The Waqf and some Imams urged Muslims to flood the Temple Mount today and tear down the metal detectors. Israeli security were confronted with busloads of Muslim rioters who were turned back, while mobs of those who arrived on foot from more nearby locations pelted police with stones.

Surveillance cameras show the three terrorists smuggled weapons into the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount. The three Arab Israeli men (all named Muhammad Jabarin) walked from the Temple Mount complex to the Lion’s Gate and opened fire on a group of police officers, killing two of them and critically injuring a third. The terrorists were all reportedly members of the now-illegal Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement, which is led by the firebrand Arab Israeli figure Raed Salah, who has served as mayor of Umm al-Fahm.

The Temple Mount is managed under a longstanding arrangement with the Jordanian-supported Islamic institution known as the Waqf. While the Waqf is largely responsible for the management of the Temple Mount, Israel provides security for the holy site.

“This is an unreasonable request from the Waqf and the Palestinian Authority to remove the metal detectors at the Temple Mount,” said Mat Staver, Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel. “When weapons are smuggled onto the Temple Mount and into the Al-Aqsa Mosque, it is more than reasonable to require metal detectors. Anyone who visits the Western Wall must go through metal detectors. The violent wing of the Palestinian Muslim community is using this incident to generate rage against Israel. And the mainstream media is complicit by not reporting the full story. Israel has a right to protect itself and the many visitors to the Old City. This is a reminder to pray for Israel and the Jewish people,” said Staver.

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