Jewish Legal Right to the Land Celebrates 95 Years

July 24, 2017, 12:28 pm

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Jul 24, 2017

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – Today is the 95^th anniversary of the “Mandate for Palestine” (Mandate), issued by the League of Nations, which granted Jews the legal right to establish citizenship in what was then called “Palestine.” Effective July 24, 1922, the Mandate recognized the 1917 Balfour Declaration from Great Britain, which promised a Jewish state in the land (Preamble), established a “Jewish national home” (Arts. 2 & 4) provided that no part of Palestine (which territory was larger than the borders of Israel today) “be ceded or leased to, or in any way placed under the control of, the Government of any foreign Power” (Art. 5), provided for Jewish citizenship (Arts. 6-7), and otherwise provided legal right of Jews to the land along with legal protections.

The “Big Four” of the League of Nations included England, France, Italy and the United States. Between 1920 and 1939, a total of 63 countries were members of the League of Nations. It was dissolved on April 16, 1946, following WWII, and was replaced by the United Nations. In the 1920s, France and England began creating nation state borders in the Middle East. For example, France once exercised control over the region that is modern day Syria and England exercised control over modern day Israel and Jordan (among other modern nation state creations in the Middle East). The Mandate specifically addressed the right of the Jews to the region then called Palestine. Following the Bar Kokhba Revolt in 132 AD, the Roman Empire changed the name of Israel to Palestine in an effort to disconnect the Jews from the land. Jewish presence in Israel and beyond extends as far back as Abraham. Three thousand years ago, King David established Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. There has always been a Jewish presence in the land that waxed and waned in size during periods calm and persecution.

“The timing of the 95^th anniversary of the Mandate recognizing the legal right of Jews to the land comes at a critical time,” said Mat Staver, Chairman of Liberty Counsel and President of Christians in Defense of Israel. “Recently tensions have arisen in Jerusalem after three Palestinians shot and killed two security officers and injured a third at the Lion’s Gate in the Old City. Israel has now taken steps to install metal detectors for anyone who goes on the Temple Mount. While this is a reasonable security measure, some have used this as a flash point to question Israel’s right to the land. Israel and the Jewish people not only have a biblical and historic connection to the land, but the League of Nations provided an undisputed legal right to the land,” said Staver.

This year also marks the 50^th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem. According to the Mandate, Jordan never had any legal right to any portion of Jerusalem. When it was created in 1946, Jordan was named ‘Trans Jordan’ to signify its borders were located on the East side of the Jordan River. Not until the 1948 War against Israel did Jordan begin occupying part of Jerusalem on the West side of the Jordan River. In 1967, when Jordan tried to wipe the Jews off the map, the occupiers were pushed back across the Jordan and Jerusalem was unified under Israel.

“In addition to the 50^th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem, 2017 is the 95^thanniversary of the Mandate, and the 100^th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration recognizing the legal and historic right of the Jews to the land. This is an historic year for Israel and the Jewish people,” concluded 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. Find out more at www.LC.org and www.CovenantJourney.org.

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Israel charges U.N. with incitement of violence (CIDI)

July 24, 2017, 12:39 pm

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July 24, 2017

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

Dear Friend,

The Jerusalem Post is reporting that “Israel has charged that UNESCO’s actions have helped Palestinians use the Temple Mount to incite violence against Israel.”

“‘UNESCO is a full partner to the false incitement by Palestinians and radical Islam who claim that Al-Aksa [Temple Mount mosque] is in danger,’ Israel’s ambassador to UNESCO in Paris Carmel Shama HaCohen said on Thursday.”

The assertion comes during heightened tensions around the Temple Mount following the terror attack in which three Muslim Arab citizens of Israel killed two Israeli police officers guarding an entrance to Jerusalem’s holiest site for Jews and Muslims. The assailants were shot and killed by Israeli police as they attempted to flee the site of the attack. Since then more lives have been lost as the violence has escalated, with Palestinian rioting, multiple attacks on Israelis, including one in Jordan that now threatens a diplomatic standoff between the two neighbors.

Raafat Alayan, a Fatah leader in Jerusalem, hinted the UNESCO resolutions could fuel violence and terror against the “occupying” Israelis:

“This international resolution confirms the right of the Palestinian people to resist the Israeli occupation…”

We believe that these U.N. assaults on Israel incite international contempt for God’s chosen people!

+ + Together, we must call on our government officials to stop the United Nations assaults on Israel!

Christians in Defense of Israel is relaunching our “Stop the United Nations’ Assault on Israel!” initiative, calling on the Trump administration, United Nation Ambassadors, and the 115th Congress to take swift and formal actions to punish the U.N. for its unrelenting anti-Israel bigotry.

+ + Israel is squarely in the crosshairs of the United Nations.

Consider these U.N. anti-Israel actions:

• UNESCO is responsible for a number of egregious resolutions that ignore biblical history and deny the Jewish people’s link to their ancestral homeland, including key sites like the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, and the Tomb of the Patriarchs. Instead, UNESCO’s “List of World Heritage Sites in Danger” registers these sites as located in “Jerusalem” (without acknowledging it as the capital of Israel) or “Palestine” and condemn Israel as the “occupying power.”• The U.N. Human Rights Council has cited Israel 78 times since 2006 for alleged violations, yet has only taken issue with North Korea’s human rights violations nine times and has all but ignored Syria’s slaughtering of its own citizens.

• A recent report by the Geneva-based NGO UN Watch blasted a U.N. commission dedicated to economic and social development in the Middle East for repeatedly defaming Israel as an “apartheid state.”

• U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley recently chastised the U.N. Security Council, saying their meetings “routinely turn into Israel-bashing sessions.”

• U.N. contempt for Israel is so pronounced that all 100 U.S. Senators, in an almost unprecedented display of bipartisanship, told the United Nations in a letter that it must “root out” its longstanding bias against Israel.

That is all the more reason why Congress should cease our funding of anti-Semitic entities.

Our tax dollars are being used to foster hate and violence against God’s chosen people via the United Nations. WE, American taxpayers and Christians, are funding the U.N. and their anti-Israel biases at a staggering $3 BILLION PER YEAR – almost a quarter of the organization’s entire annual revenue.

That’s why I’m asking you to take immediate action on behalf of Israel. Click here or on the button below to automatically add your name to the new “Stop the U.N.’s Assault on Israel” petition and demand the U.S. government support our greatest Middle East ally:

Thank you, in advance, for taking action today.

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

Mat

P.S. Israel has called out the United Nations for its anti-Semitic bigotry and cut $1 million from Israel’s U.N. membership dues.

The United States government should act accordingly!

Christians in Defense of Israel is working to “Stop the United Nations’ Assault on Israel!” by calling on the Trump administration, United Nation Ambassadors, and the 115th Congress to take swift and formal actions, including defunding the U.N. and its anti-Semitic factions.

America’s Christians must take this opportunity to support Israel – and pressure our leaders to do the same.

Click here to automatically add your name to the new “Stop the U.N.’s Assault on Israel” petition and demand the U.S. government support our greatest Middle East ally.

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Tar Heel State Enacts Anti-BDS Legislation

August 1, 2017, 1:51 pm

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Aug 1, 2017

RALEIGH, NC — Gov. Roy Cooper has signed House Bill 161, known as “Divestment from Companies that Boycott Israel,” which prohibits North Carolina from investing in or contracting with companies that boycott the state of Israel.

H.B. 161 was sponsored by Rep. Stephen Ross and directs the state treasurer to adopt a policy prohibiting the state retirement system and the Department of the Treasurer from investing in companies that are boycotting Israel. The law goes into effect October 1 and may take up to a year to be fully implemented. The State Treasurer’s Office will then create a policy for canceling state-funded investments of companies that boycott Israel and create a list of companies that violate the policy.

North Carolina currently does more than $140 million worth of business every year with Israel. The law defines a boycott of Israel as a company’s refusal to do business within the country for non-business reasons at a level of more than $20 million per year. State contracts with such companies amounting to less than $1,000 are exempted from the divestment plan.
North Carolina now becomes the 22nd state in the nation banning state business with companies that seek to inflict serious economic harms on Israel by participating in the boycott, divest and sanction (BDS) movement.

“We commend Gov. Roy Cooper for signing the ‘Divestment from Companies that Boycott Israel’ which prohibits North Carolina from investing in or contracting with companies that boycott the state of Israel,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. “Israel is a leader in economy and a world leader in technology, business, agriculture and more. Divesting in Israel will only harm those who divest. God deals with nations in relation to how those nations deal with Israel. It’s time for the other 28 states to follow North Carolina’s lead and make America a true supporter of Israel,” said Staver.

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Senate Committee Votes to Stop Funding Palestinian Terrorism

August 3, 2017, 12:12 pm

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Aug 3, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted today (16-5) to proceed with the Taylor Force Act, which will defund the Palestinian Authority (PA) until they cease and denounce their “Pay to Slay” policy, which rewards terrorists and their families for acts against Israel and the United States. The Taylor Force Act will now advance to a floor-wide vote.

Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Bob Corker
Liberty Counsel and Christians in Defense of Israel have been instrumental in encouraging legislators to pass this bill. This legislation is named in memory of U.S. army veteran and Vanderbilt student, Taylor Force, who served in combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, only to be senselessly killed as a civilian by a Palestinian terrorist in Israel.

The Taylor Force Act will force the PA to face the consequences of its violence or end this abhorrent practice immediately. The PA currently gives over $300 million annually to terrorists and their families. However, since the U.S. provides over $700 million of direct and indirect aid to the Palestinians, American taxpayer dollars are providing the funds to reward terrorists who kill American and Israeli citizens. As soon as attackers are arrested, the PA provides canteen expenses, salary and health benefits. A government job upon release is guaranteed for those sentenced to five or more years. The families of “martyrs” also receive large payments for the loss of their family member.

In order to receive U.S. funds, the PA would have to revoke any law, decree or document authorizing a compensation scheme for prisoners “that uses the sentence or period of incarceration to determine the level of compensation paid.” The secretary of state would also have to certify that the PA “has terminated payments for acts of terrorism against American and Israeli citizens after the attackers being fairly tried and who have been imprisoned for such acts of terrorism, including the family members of the convicted individuals.” The PA would also have to take “credible steps” against incitement to violence against Israelis and Americans.

“We commend the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for passing the Taylor Force Act that will cut the supply of blood money to the Palestinian Authority to murder innocent Israelis and Americans,” said Mat Staver, Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “We cannot reward acts of terrorism like the one that tragically took the life of Taylor Force. ‘Pay to Slay’ must end. This legislation will now force the Palestinian Authority to face the consequences of its horrendous violence or end this abhorrent practice immediately. It’s unconscionable that even one American taxpayer dollar has been used to brainwash young Palestinians to hate the Jewish people and to pay terrorists to ruthlessly murder Israelis and Americans,” said Staver.

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Israeli Mayors Encourage US to Stop Funding Terrorism

September 19, 2017, 2:41 pm

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Sep 19, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A letter on behalf of 24 Israeli mayors representing 450,000 residents of Judea and Samaria was sent to U.S. Senator Tom Cotton to encourage U.S. Senators to pass the Taylor Force Act. This bill, which will defund the Palestinian Authority (PA) until its ceases payments and benefits that reward terrorists and their families for terroristic acts against Israel and the United States. Having passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the bill now awaits a vote by the full Senate.

The letter from the Israeli mayors states: “If we truly want to give peace and coexistence a chance to blossom, then removing the poisonous message the underlies the need for the Taylor Force Act is a critical first step. The PA should receive the very clear message that the U.S. government will no longer look the other way when terrorists are publicly glorified. By exposing these blatant efforts to influence the next generation of Palestinians away from genuine peace efforts, your amendment actually gives peace a chance to take root.”

The Taylor Force Act will force the PA to face the consequences of its violence if it does not end this abhorrent practice of funding terrorism. The PA currently gives over $300 million annually to terrorists and their families. However, since the U.S. provides over $700 million of direct and indirect aid to the Palestinians, American taxpayer dollars are providing the funds to reward terrorists who kill American and Israeli citizens. As soon as attackers are arrested, the PA provides canteen expenses, salary and health benefits. A government job upon release is guaranteed for those sentenced to five or more years. The families of “martyrs” also receive large payments for the loss of their family member.

If the bill is enacted, the PA would have to revoke any law, decree or document authorizing a compensation scheme for prisoners “that uses the sentence or period of incarceration to determine the level of compensation paid” in order to receive U.S. funds. The secretary of state would also have to certify that the PA “has terminated payments for acts of terrorism against American and Israeli citizens after the attackers being fairly tried and who have been imprisoned for such acts of terrorism, including the family members of the convicted individuals.” The PA would also have to take “credible steps” against incitement to violence against Israelis and Americans.

Liberty Counsel and Christians in Defense of Israel have provided information to legislators to pass this bill. This legislation is named in memory of U.S. army veteran and Vanderbilt student, Taylor Force, who served in combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, only to be senselessly killed as a civilian by a Palestinian terrorist in Israel.

“We stand with these Israeli mayors and residents of Israel and urge the Senate to pass the Taylor Force Act that will cut the supply of blood money from U.S. taxpayers to the Palestinian Authority,” said Mat Staver, Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “As the Israeli mayors state in their letter, ‘we must remove the poisonous message that underlies the need for the Taylor Force Act’ if we have any hope for peace. We cannot reward acts of terrorism like the one that tragically took the life of Taylor Force. ‘Pay to Slay’ must end. The murder of innocent Americans and Israelis must end,” said Staver.

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Christians Unite in Global Prayer for Israel

September 28, 2017, 1:53 pm

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Sep 28, 2017

ORLANDO, FL — This Sunday, October 1, 2017, millions of people around the world will join together to pray for the peace of Jerusalem in observation of The Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem.

The first Sunday of every October is designated to raise global awareness and unite believers around the world to cry out to God on behalf of this troubled, but strategic land and the Israeli people. It is expected there will be at least 175 participating nations and 500 million believers praying for the peace of Jerusalem.

The Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem began in 2002 in meetings with leading political and religious leaders from Israel and the United States and is now a global prayer movement. The vision is “for sustained, fervent, and informed global intercession for the plans and purposes of God for Jerusalem and all her people.”

This is also an historic year for Israel and the Jewish people as it is the 50^th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem, the 95^th anniversary of the Mandate for Palestine, and the 100^th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, both of which establish the legal and historic right of the Jews to the land.

“Psalm 122:6 says, ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee’,” said Mat Staver, Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “We should pray for Israel and its people. That small country and the Israeli people are a priority to Him and we must stand with them. I encourage every believer in Jesus to join me in prayer for Israel, not only for the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, but every day. Israel has more legitimate and historical right to its land than any country in the world but has endured so much animosity for its mere existence,” said Staver.

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US Withdraws from UNESCO

October 12, 2017, 3:18 pm

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≪ Previous: Christians Unite in Global Prayer for Israel

Oct 12, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Trump announced today that the United States will withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization (UNESCO) because of its anti-Israel bias. The withdrawal will take effect on Dec. 31, 2018 but the U.S. may remain involved as a nonmember observer state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the U.S. decision to leave UNESCO “brave” and “moral.” He said he has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to also prepare for Israel’s withdrawal.

UNESCO has a record of fostering anti-Semitism, including the decision to include Palestine as a member in 2011, though Israel and its allies are far outnumbered by Arab countries and their supporters. While the U.S. stopped funding UNESCO after it voted to include Palestine as a member, the State Department has maintained a UNESCO office at its Paris headquarters and sought to weigh in on policy behind the scenes. The withdrawal means the U.S. will halt the debt it has run-up since it stopped funding the organization in 2011 to protest the admission of the Palestinian Authority as a full member. By the end of 2017, the unpaid U.S. bill will amount to $550 million. The Trump administration’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year contained no provision for the possibility that UNESCO funding restrictions might be lifted.

“UNESCO has a history of anti-Semitism and an irrational bias against Israel,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “It is about time we withdrew. President Trump is sending the message that there are consequences for UNESCO’s actions. Finally, we have a president who will stand with Israel and who is willing to take action,” 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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Trump Announces New Security Strategy for Iran

October 13, 2017, 8:39 am

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Oct 13, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump, in consultation with his national security team, has approved a new strategy which focuses on neutralizing Iran’s destabilizing influence and constraining its aggression, particularly its support for terrorism and militants.

This strategy will aggressively counter threats to the United States and its allies from ballistic missiles and other asymmetric weapons, which includes denying the Iranian regime – and especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – funding for its illicit activities, and opposing IRGC activities that extort the wealth of the Iranian people.

After nine months of deliberation with Congress and American allies on how to best protect American security, President Trump intends that the U.S. will deny the Iranian regime and stop all paths to a nuclear weapon.

President Trump said, “It is time for the entire world to join us in demanding that Iran’s government end its pursuit of death and destruction.”

“The Obama administration’s policy toward Iran has allowed this terrorist regime to get closer to its goal of obtaining a nuclear weapon,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “President Trump is finally putting an end to the dangerous policy of the Obama administration. President Trump has inherited a mess from prior Republican and Democratic presidents who liked to talk but were afraid to act. I am encouraged that we now have a president who will protect America, Israel, and our many allies by demanding a change in the Iranian’s regime’s behavior,” 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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US House to Vote on Tightening Sanctions Against Iran and Hizballah

October 24, 2017, 2:25 pm

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Oct 24, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act and the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act of 2017, both of which address the dangerous aggression of Iran and its terrorist organization, Hizballah.

The Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act, known as H.R. 1698, expands sanctions against Iran’s illicit ballistic missile program and its aggressive behavior in the region. The bill states: “the President shall impose sanctions against: (1) Iranian government agencies involved in ballistic missile development; (2) foreign entities that supply material for, or otherwise facilitate or finance, such efforts; (3) foreign persons or foreign government agencies that import, export, or re-export prohibited arms or related material to or from Iran; and (4) foreign persons or entities that transfer goods or technologies contributing to Iran’s ability to acquire or develop ballistic missiles, including launch technology, and destabilizing numbers and types of advanced conventional weapons.”

The Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act of 2017, known as H.R. 3329, cuts off the flow of resources to the Lebanese-based terrorist organization and its affiliates, and targets foreign governments, individuals and companies that support them. H.R. 3329 strengthens and expands the scope of economic and financial sanctions by previous legislation imposed on Hizballah, the Shi’a Islamic political party and militant group. This bill is significant in light of Hizballah’s global reach to areas in the Western Hemisphere where it is involved in organized crime such as drug trade, trafficking of exotic animals and black-market sales of precious metals and gems to finance its terror activities and its fighting in support of the Assad regime in Syria. In addition, H.R. 3329 requires that Congress receive information on Hizballah’s illicit activities, which legislators could use to better fund the resources necessary to counter the terrorist group.

“In order to protect the United States and Israel from Iran, the U.S. House of Representatives must pass the Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act and the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act of 2017,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “It is the right thing to do. Hizballah terrorists are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans, and their funds for terrorism must be cut off immediately. Congress should use all appropriate means to stop Iran’s emerging stranglehold over much of the Middle East where Hizballah terrorists continue to be a serious threat to the United States and Israel,” said Staver.

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Congress Tightens Sanctions Against Iran and Hizballah

October 26, 2017, 12:52 pm

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Oct 26, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act and the Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act of 2017, both of which address the dangerous aggression of Iran and the terrorist organization, Hizballah.

Today the House passed 423-2 the Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act, known as H.R. 1698, which expands sanctions against Iran’s illicit ballistic missile program and its aggressive behavior in the region. The bill states: “the President shall impose sanctions against: (1) Iranian government agencies involved in ballistic missile development; (2) foreign entities that supply material for, or otherwise facilitate or finance, such efforts; (3) foreign persons or foreign government agencies that import, export, or re-export prohibited arms or related material to or from Iran; and (4) foreign persons or entities that transfer goods or technologies contributing to Iran’s ability to acquire or develop ballistic missiles, including launch technology, and destabilizing numbers and types of advanced conventional weapons.”

The Hizballah International Financing Prevention Amendments Act of 2017, known as H.R. 3329, was passed yesterday in the House by an overwhelming voice vote. H.R. 3329 cuts off the flow of resources to the Lebanese-based terrorist organization and its affiliates, and targets foreign governments, individuals and companies that support them. H.R. 3329 strengthens and expands the scope of economic and financial sanctions by previous legislation imposed on Hizballah, the Shi’a Islamic political party and militant group. This bill is significant in light of Hizballah’s global reach to areas in the Western Hemisphere where it is involved in organized crime such as drug trade, trafficking of exotic animals and black-market sales of precious metals and gems to finance its terror activities and its fighting in support of the Assad regime in Syria. In addition, H.R. 3329 requires that Congress receive information on Hizballah’s illicit activities, which legislators could use to better fund the resources necessary to counter the terrorist group.

“Congress made two great decisions to increase sanctions against Iran and Hizballah, a recognized terrorist group,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “I commend Congress for enacting these bills to stop Iran’s emerging threat over much of the Middle East and where Hizballah terrorists continue to be a serious threat to the United States and Israel,” said Staver.

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Bill Would Stop Boycott Against Israel

October 27, 2017, 2:28 pm

≫ Next: Trump Will Aid Persecuted Christians in Middle East (Liberty Counsel)

≪ Previous: Congress Tightens Sanctions Against Iran and Hizballah

Oct 27, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Israel Anti-Boycott Act, which has been introduced this year in both the House and Senate, is designed to protect U.S. businesses and individuals from being pressured into an economic boycott of Israel or other friendly nations by international governmental organizations.

This bill would extend the Export Administration Act of 1979 law to international organizations, such as the United Nations or even the European Union, that might parallel the Arab League’s original “blacklist” of companies doing business with Israel. For example, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is scheduled to publish a “blacklist” of firms operating in or have business relationships in the West Bank beyond Israel’s 1949 Armistice Lines, which includes all of Jerusalem. This database would be used to place public pressure on these firms to withdraw from the disputed territories. The UNHRC recently sent “warning letters“ to 150 firms—including 30 U.S. firms—which do business in Israel or the territories, asking them to confirm the details of their commerce there.

The Economy Ministry’s Office of Strategic Affairs has already received information that some of the companies who received the letters have stated they do not intend to renew contracts or sign new ones in Israel.

The ACLU—along with a coalition of leftist groups—oppose the Act. The ACLU claims it will violate the First Amendment. But the ACLU and other opponents ignore the four-decade track record of the 1979 law. They have not cited a single instance in which “political beliefs” have led to civil or criminal penalties under current law. Courts have repeatedly upheld the 1979 act against constitutional challenges on free-speech grounds as a legitimate restriction on commercial conduct. Criticism of Israel, its treatment of Palestinians and its settlement policies are indeed protected by the First Amendment as free speech. The Israel Anti-Boycott Act does not target the rights of U.S. individuals and companies to criticize Israel, which — like any country — is subject to criticism for its policies.

“It is critical that U.S. legislators quickly enact the Israel Anti-Boycott Act,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “The United Nations Human Rights Council has a history of anti-Semitism and an irrational bias against Israel. The intent is clear – they want to destroy Israel. It is anti-Semitic at its core. Israel is the only free and democratic country in the Middle East. Israel has more legitimate and historical right to its land than any country in the world. Jews have lived in the land for millennia. Israel is a leader in economy and a world leader in technology, business, agriculture and more. Divesting in Israel will only harm those who divest,” said Staver.

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Trump Will Aid Persecuted Christians in Middle East (Liberty Counsel)

October 30, 2017, 12:37 pm

≫ Next: 100-Year Anniversary of Balfour Declaration

≪ Previous: Bill Would Stop Boycott Against Israel

Oct 30, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vice President Mike Pence announced a new policy at the In Defense of Christians annual summit in Washington, promising direct aid to persecuted Christians in the Middle East.

The Obama administration previously gave over a billion dollars in aid to the Middle East through the United Nations. However, little of that money made it to Christians and other vulnerable religious minority groups in that region. The Trump administration has now promised to bypass the United Nations and give the funds directly through the United States Agency for International Development to organizations on the ground to help victims of persecution and genocide.

Vice President Pence also noted the United Nations continues to deny funding requests in many instances to partner with faith-based groups with proven track records and deep roots in the Middle East. “My friends,” the Vice President said, “those days are over. This is the moment. Now is the time. And America will support these people in their hour of need. President Trump and I see these crimes for what they are: vile acts of persecution animated by hatred for Christians and the gospel of Christ. And so too does this president know who and what has perpetrated these crimes and he calls them by name: radical Islamic terrorism,” said Pence.

Through Liberty Counsel’s Liberty Relief International project, we strategically partner with ministries to provide humanitarian relief and spiritual support to persecuted Christians in the Middle East.

“Every day, Christians are persecuted and murdered for their faith in the ancient land where Christianity was first born,” said Mat Staver, Chairman of Liberty Counsel and Founder and President of Liberty Relief International. “We commend the Trump administration for recognizing this serious threat and helping these victims of persecution and genocide directly. The United Nations is a useless organization that refuses to help Christians. This announcement by the Trump administration is a welcome relief,” 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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100-Year Anniversary of Balfour Declaration

November 3, 2017, 12:23 pm

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November 3, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope that peace in the Middle East could be reached after the 100-year anniversary of the Balfour Declaration that was celebrated yesterday in Britain, Israel and the United States. The declaration was a letter approved by the British cabinet that supported the establishment of a nation for the Jewish people.

The declaration was ratified five years later by the League of Nations on November 2, 1922, which led to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. This year, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution recognizing the importance of the Balfour Declaration and its goals to support the rights of Jewish and non-Jewish communities.

While several nations such as France, Germany, and Japan had considered, or were considering, similar plans, Britain’s action is recognized internationally as leading up to the creation of modern-day Israel. With there being a strong Jewish presence in the region of Israel for the last 3,000 years, and the cultural and historic value to their community, the letter states:

“His Majesty’s Government view with favour(sic) the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavors to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.”

There are several bills in Congress to support actions that facilitate peace in the Middle East. The Taylor Force Act; prohibits American tax dollars going to groups that are financially rewarding the families of terrorists. In addition, The Israel Anti-Boycott Act, which has been introduced this year in both the House and Senate, is designed to protect U.S. businesses and individuals from being pressured into an economic boycott of Israel or other friendly nations by international governmental organizations.

This year includes the anniversaries of several major events relating to Israel. These include the 50th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem; the 70th anniversary of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls; the 95th anniversary of the League of Nations Mandate; and the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. Next year will mark the 70th anniversary of the modern state of Israel.

“The biblical and historical connection of the land of Israel to the Jewish people is undisputed,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “The modern legal right to the land is also clear from the Balfour Declaration to the League of Nations Mandate. Israel is not an occupier of disputed territories but the rightful possessor of the land. This small part of the world is a beacon of hope for democracy and freedom in the Middle East. Each time I visit Israel, I am amazed by the contribution this tiny country has had on technological advances, medical breakthroughs, and agricultural improvements in the world. Every aspect of our daily lives is positively affected by Israel,” said Staver.

About Liberty Counsel

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Move the Embassy (CIDI)

November 8, 2017, 9:10 am

≫ Next: President Trump has 3 weeks (CIDI)

≪ Previous: 100-Year Anniversary of Balfour Declaration

Nov 8, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security meets today to discuss the relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem, the capital.

In every country worldwide, the U.S. Embassy is located in its capital. However, the embassy in Israel is in Tel Aviv, despite Congress consistently voting to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s undivided capital. The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 passed the Senate by 93-5 and the House by 374-37 to move the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem by requiring the withholding of State Department funds if was not moved. However, the law was never implemented because of opposition from former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama.

President Donald Trump has promised to move the embassy to Jerusalem. Yet, he signed a six-month waiver on June 1, 2017 to delay moving the embassy. The second waiver deadline of the Trump Administration occurs on December 1, 2017.

Last May, approximately 60 Christian leaders, representing 60 million Christians across America, signed a letter that was delivered to President Trump calling on him to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and thus recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

“The time is now to uphold American law by moving the U.S. Embassy to Israel’s eternal indivisible capital city of Jerusalem,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and Chairman of Covenant Journey. “King David established Jerusalem as the capital of Israel 3,000 years ago. It has been, is, and shall remain the capital of Israel. It is time America recognized the obvious. Refusal to recognize Jerusalem is anti-Semitic,” said Staver.

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President Trump has 3 weeks (CIDI)

November 8, 2017, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Seventieth Anniversary of UN Vote on Israel

≪ Previous: Move the Embassy (CIDI)

November 8, 2017

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

President Donald Trump has promised to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. Yet, he signed a six-month waiver on June 1, 2017 to delay the move. The second waiver deadline occurs on December 1, less than three weeks from now. Christians in Defense of Israel is calling on the President to authorize moving the Embassy! Click here to join in our call. Please see below — Mat.

Today a House Oversight and Government Reform panel met to discuss the relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem, Israel’s capital.

Several experts testified, including Ambassador John Bolton who endorsed the move and said, when questioned, the time to announce the move is “today.”

Bolton dismissed the objections of some who say moving the embassy, as required by law under the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act, would harm Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. In fact, he said, “shifting the Embassy would have an overall positive impact for U.S. diplomatic efforts.”

And he had no patience for those who—after 22 years–want to further delay the move. “Too often, in diplomatic speak, not now means not ever. We must reject that counsel and move the embassy to Israel’s capital city,” Bolton insisted.

Eugene Kontorovich of the Northwestern University School of Law warned America’s failure to place its embassy in Israel’s capital “undermines U.S. foreign policy and helps isolate Israel.” Caving to threats of an Arab uprising if the embassy is moved, he said will “reward threats of violence, and allow U.S. policy to be held hostage by terrorists and aspiring terrorists.”

+ + Mr. President, move the embassy!

In every country worldwide, the U.S. embassy is in the host nation’s capital. However, the U.S. embassy in Israel is in Tel Aviv, despite the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 for one simple reason. Every U.S. president since the bill’s passage—Clinton, Bush, Obama, and now Trump—have exercised a waiver provision in the law which allows the president to delay the move on national security grounds.

It’s time for that to stop and for President Trump to make good on his own campaign promise to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the embassy! Right now my heart is stirred to double our efforts to push 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. Please stand with Israel today by clicking here or on the link below to sign:

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 in May. But now, we need your signature to help us reach the 100,000-petition threshold for delivery to the White House and Capitol Hill ahead of the December 1st deadline.

Thank you, in advance, for your support!

Mat Staver, President
Christians in Defense of Israel

P.S. Contrary to anti-Israel rhetoric, moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is the proper action for the U.S. to take. And, it does not undermine the Middle East peace process, according to expert testimonies given to Congress today.

As Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) reminded the committee, “December 1 is a critical date because we have another waiver. It would be a great message that this president could send on the 50th anniversary of re-unification that we go ahead and finally move the embassy to the eternal capital of Israel, Jerusalem.”

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Seventieth Anniversary of UN Vote on Israel

November 28, 2017, 11:15 am

≫ Next: House Votes to Stop Funding Terrorism

≪ Previous: President Trump has 3 weeks (CIDI)

Nov 28, 2017

ORLANDO, FL – Tomorrow marks the 70^th anniversary of the United Nations’ vote to fulfill the 1917 Balfour Declaration and recognize “the Jewish people’s right to a national home in their ancient homeland.”

On November 29, 1947, the U.N. General Assembly voted to adopt the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine to become effective after the end of the British Mandate in May 1948. This Partition Plan recognized the creation of independent Arab and Jewish states. That 1947 U.N. vote is recorded in U.N. Resolution 181. The Partition Plan was accepted by the Jewish Agency for Palestine, but the Arab leaders and governments rejected the Plan and were unwilling to accept any territorial division.

While several nations such as France, Germany, and Japan had considered, or were considering, similar plans, the Balfour Declaration was a public statement issued by the British government 100 years ago in 1917 following Great Britain’s defeat of the Ottoman Empire. With there being a strong Jewish presence in the region of Israel for the last 3,000 years, and the cultural and historic value to their community, the letter states:

The opening words of the declaration represented the first expression of public support for Zionism by a major political power. The term “national home” had no precedent in international law, and was intentionally vague as to whether a Jewish state was contemplated. The declaration also led to the creation of Mandatory Palestine, which later became Israel and the Palestinian territories. As a result, it is considered to have caused the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict, often described as the world’s most intractable conflict.

This year, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution recognizing the importance of the Balfour Declaration and its goal to support the rights of Jewish and non-Jewish communities.

Five years after the 1917 British Mandate, in 1922, or 95 years ago, the League of Nations (which included Great Britain, France, Germany, and other nations), the precursor to the United Nations, issued the Mandate for Palestine, recognizing the creation of the Jewish state. And, of course, in 1947, or 70 years ago, the United Nations adopted the Partition Plan.

In May 1948, following the expiration of the British control of Palestine, the Jews in Palestine declared independence and the establishment of Israel in accordance with the Plan. But the surrounding Arab nations attacked the Jews living there to destroy them. The modern state of Israel was born.

“The biblical and historical connection of the land of Israel to the Jewish people is undisputed,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “The modern legal right to the land is also clear from the Balfour Declaration, to the League of Nations Mandate, to the United Nations Partition Plan. Israel is not an occupier of disputed territories but the rightful possessor of the land. This small part of the world is a beacon of hope for democracy and freedom in the Middle East,” said Staver.

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House Votes to Stop Funding Terrorism

December 5, 2017, 1:37 pm

≫ Next: Not without you! (CIDI)

≪ Previous: Seventieth Anniversary of UN Vote on Israel

Dec 5, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House voted in favor of the Taylor Force Act, which will defund the Palestinian Authority (PA) until they cease and denounce funding and support for terrorists and their families for acts against Israel and the United States. The Taylor Force Act already passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and awaits the full vote of the Senate.

Liberty Counsel and Christians in Defense of Israel have been instrumental in encouraging legislators to pass the Taylor Force Act. This legislation is named in memory of U.S. army veteran and Vanderbilt student, Taylor Force, who served in combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, only to be senselessly killed as a civilian by a Palestinian terrorist in Israel.

The Taylor Force Act will force the PA to face the consequences of its violence or end this abhorrent practice immediately. The PA currently gives over $300 million annually to terrorists and their families. However, since the U.S. provides over $700 million of direct and indirect aid to the Palestinians, American taxpayer dollars are providing the funds to reward terrorists who kill American and Israeli citizens. As soon as attackers are arrested, the PA provides canteen expenses, salary, and health benefits. A government job upon release is guaranteed for those sentenced to five or more years. The families of “martyrs” also receive large payments for the loss of their family member.

If the bill is enacted, the PA would have to revoke any law, decree or document authorizing a compensation scheme for prisoners “that uses the sentence or period of incarceration to determine the level of compensation paid.” The secretary of state would also have to certify that the PA “has terminated payments for acts of terrorism against American and Israeli citizens after the attackers being fairly tried and who have been imprisoned for such acts of terrorism, including the family members of the convicted individuals.” The PA would also have to take “credible steps” against incitement to violence against Israelis and Americans.

“We commend the U.S. House for passing the Taylor Force Act that will cut the supply of blood money to the Palestinian Authority to murder innocent Israelis and Americans,” said Mat Staver, Chairman of Liberty Counsel, President of Christians in Defense of Israel, and Founder and President of Covenant Journey. “Now, the full Senate must pass this important bill. We cannot reward acts of terrorism. This legislation will now force the Palestinian Authority to face the consequences of its horrendous violence or end this abhorrent practice immediately. It’s unconscionable that even one American taxpayer dollar has been used to brainwash young Palestinians to hate the Jewish people and to pay terrorists to ruthlessly murder Israelis and Americans,” said Staver.

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Not without you! (CIDI)

December 20, 2017, 1:06 pm

≫ Next: Abbas: Jerusalem is ours (CIDI)

≪ Previous: House Votes to Stop Funding Terrorism

Mat Staver,
Christians in Defense of Israel

Christians in Defense of Israel (CIDI) is a leading pro-Israel voice in America. Your voice, your prayers, and your support made a real difference in U.S. – Israeli relations in 2017!

Because of you, Christians in Defense of Israel:

• Petitioned President Trump and lawmakers to recognize Jerusalem as the rightful capital of Israel
• Pushed to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
• Called out the United Nations for their blatant anti-Semitism
• Worked to have Congress stop U.S. funding of terror against the Israelis
• Exposed the harmful Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions (BDS) movement gaining traction internationally and on our college campuses

Plus…

• Viewers across the U.S. discovered Israel in a fresh way this year as they watched our spectacular TV series, Why Israel Matters
• Our Covenant Journey program helped build ambassadors for Israel by taking nearly 250 college-age Christian leaders to Israel.

Your generosity makes all this possible. But as thrilled as I am with what God has done through our work together this year, I'm even more excited about what's coming next. I believe 2018 will be our greatest year yet.

+ + 2018 will be a historic year!

In 2018, Israel celebrates the 70th anniversary of its founding as a modern state. Throughout the upcoming year, we will educate and alert the public to the huge significance of Israel's 70th birthday.

With your help, we will double the number of people we reach online and make our pro-Israel voice twice as loud—on Capitol Hill and in American culture. Strengthened by friends and partners like you, that added grassroots clout will open more doors on Capitol Hill and do even more to defend Israel and the Jewish people in the 70th year of the state of Israel.

+ + Your Gift Now Will Bless and Defend Israel.

The task before you and me in 2018 is huge. President Trump's bold decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital inflamed Muslim nations. And his courageous action outraged the European Union and the U.N., too.

And I have some wonderful news. Thanks to a generous $40,000 Challenge Grant, every gift made to Christians in Defense of Israel between now and December 31st is effectively doubled!

That is why your end-of-year gift now is so vital to our mission. Please take advantage of this opportunity now to make your donation effectively do twice as much.

Israel and America share a common bond through our history, heritage, and faith. And with anti-Semitism rising around the world, Israel and the Jewish people need your voice on their behalf. That's why your tax-deductible year-end support for Christians in Defense of Israel is absolutely crucial.

God bless you for joining us,

Mat Staver, President
Christians in Defense of Israel

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Abbas: Jerusalem is ours (CIDI)

December 22, 2017, 2:18 pm

≫ Next: Three words preventing peace in the Middle East (CID)

≪ Previous: Not without you! (CIDI)

Mat Staver,
Christians in Defense of Israel

Earlier this week, Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas told the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) that President Trump must retract the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

And then he committed identity theft–distorting history and showing why your gift to defend Israel is so urgently needed now.

Speaking to Muslim leaders, Abbas proclaimed Jerusalem is the ancient capital, not of the Jews–as history and archaeology attest, but of the Palestinian people. "We have been there in this location for thousands of years," Abbas claimed, linking Palestinians–who are Arabs–to the ancient Canaanites.

That's a claim for which there is no evidence. But that didn't stop Abbas, who declared…

"[Jerusalem] is a Palestinian Arab Muslim Christian city, the eternal capital of the state of Palestine. There can be no Palestinian state without the city of Jerusalem as its capital and there will be no peace in the region and in the world without it."

The Palestinian leader also rejected Israel's statehood and used an event he deems damaging to the Palestinian people to foment hate and foster terrorism against Israel.

+ + Hate passed from generation to generation is fueling terror.

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon told the U.N. Security Council that Palestinian children are being "brainwashed" to "hate" in schools and taught how to stab a Jewish person. He described the instructions as an "incitement that fuels terror."

Palestinian Authority TV (PA TV) showed two young Palestinian girls proclaiming, "Jews are filth, they desecrate and defile Jerusalem." This also depicts the hateful, anti-Semitic teachings with which Palestinian children are indoctrinated at an early age.

Muslim rulers reject the Jewish state's existence and refuse to live in peace. Their goal is the annihilation of the Jewish state, the "occupiers" of Israel and Jerusalem. The Palestinians "Pay to Slay" policy rewards terrorists and their families for violence against Jews, particularly if the attacks take place inside Israeli borders.

+ + Please help CIDI meet our 2017 Year-End Matching Challenge!

Christians in Defense of Israel stands in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters. We oppose the U.S. aid that is used to indoctrinate Palestinian children to hate Jews and reward acts of terror against Israelis through the PA's heinous "Pay to Slay" policy.

And thanks to friends like you, Christians in Defense of Israel also

tells the amazing truth about Israel through initiatives like the nationally broadcast Why Israel Matters original documentary series
introduces young leaders to Israel and raises up ambassadors for Israel through Covenant Journey, which introduced some 250 college-age Christians to Israel this year
advances pro-Israel legislation like the Taylor Force Act–a measure to end Palestinian "pay to slay"–through our Capitol Hill office.
builds pro-Israel awareness through our online grassroots network

But all this is only possible because of people like you who love Israel. Right now, we need your support to meet a generous $40,000 Year-End Challenge Grant.

Your financial support will make a profound and much-needed impact on Israel's behalf in 2018. That is why your end-of-year gift today is so crucial.

PLUS, every gift you give now through the end of December is effectively DOUBLED! If you haven't already done so, please take advantage of this opportunity now to make your donation do twice as much!

God bless you for joining us,

Mat Staver, President
Christians in Defense of Israel

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Three words preventing peace in the Middle East (CID)

December 27, 2017, 6:05 am

≫ Next: Determined by God (CIDI)

≪ Previous: Abbas: Jerusalem is ours (CIDI)

Mat Staver,
Christians in Defense of Israel

President Trump's bold decision to change U.S. Middle East policy and finally acknowledge Jerusalem as the capital of Israel angered some international leaders.
European Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini has now promised Palestinian leadership that she will work to ensure a two-state solution with a divided Israel and a divided Jerusalem as the capital city. Yet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Jerusalem will never be divided in a peace deal with the Palestinians.

But the dispute over Jerusalem is not the real obstacle to peace. What is at the heart of the conflict? Three words Muslims live by: "Allah wills it!" The issue driving the bitter dispute between Jew and Arab is the religion of Islam.

Extreme prejudice against the Jews radiates from Islam's holy book, the Qur'an. Islam scholar, Robert Spencer asserts, "The Qur'an portrays the Jews as the craftiest, most persistent, and most implacable enemies of the Muslims." The Qur'an showers Jews with contempt, quoting Allah turning Jews into apes and/or pigs for violating the Sabbath and distorting the Torah.

In 627 A.D., the Islamic prophet Mohammad watched as his soldiers beheaded some 800 Jewish men and boys, and turned their wives and daughters into Muslim war booty as slaves and concubines.

Muslims view the land of Israel as their proper possession. Under Islam, any land once subjugated by Islam must remain so forever—and that means continued conflict.

+ + Obtaining peace in the Middle East is more than a battle over Jerusalem!

Because of friends and partners like you, Christians in Defense of Israel stands in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters. We stand with Israel's right to live within secure, defensible borders without giving away land to enemies who refuse to even recognize Israel's right to exist as a nation. We declare the irrefutable fact that earlier "land for peace" agreements are historically proven failures and are non-starters for a new peace accord.

Further, we acknowledge Jerusalem as Israel's God-ordained, undivided capital. Thanks to friends like you, we petitioned President Trump and U.S. lawmakers to make that same declaration and to move the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. We know that Israel will protect the holy sites of all faiths and safeguard access to them–unlike Jordan which refused Jewish access to the Western Wall when it controlled east Jerusalem before 1967.

+ + Your gift now defends Israel!

Right now, we need your support to defend Israel and meet a generous $40,000 Year-End Challenge Grant.

With your financial support, CIDI will continue to make a profound impact on behalf of Israel in 2018 through vital initiatives like our office on Capitol Hill, our online grassroots network, and Covenant Journey–which takes young leaders to Israel. That is why your end-of-year gift now is so needed.

PLUS, every gift you give now through the end of December is effectively DOUBLED! If you haven't already done so, please take advantage of this opportunity now to make your donation do twice as much!

We honor Israel as our most significant and most trusted friend and ally in the region and are grateful for the vital intelligence and technological advances emanating from Israel that have enhanced our own national security.

God bless you for joining us,

Mat Staver, President
Christians in Defense of Israel

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