A delegation, headed by Bishop Robert Stearns, traveled to Israel to gain firsthand knowledge and receive tools to help them stand at the forefront of the fight against antisemitism, and met with Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Haskel.
During their visit, they will also meet with senior officials from Israel’s security establishment.
The delegation of Christian leaders from the United States and Europe arrived in Israel yesterday for a special visit, having boarded their flights at the height of the conflict with Iran, before a ceasefire was announced. They have come amid ongoing efforts by extremist organizations to isolate Israel on the international stage, seeking firsthand understanding and practical tools to help them lead the fight against rising antisemitism around the world.
Upon their arrival, the delegation met with Deputy Foreign Minister and Member of Knesset Sharren Haskel, who briefed them on Israel’s foreign relations and the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen ties between Israel and the international Christian community. Later in the visit, they will meet with Israel’s Special Envoy to the Christian World, Ambassador George Deek, alongside an additional 300 Christian leaders from around the world who will join the meeting via Zoom. The delegation will also meet with senior members of Israel’s security establishment, receive security briefings, and tour strategic sites across the country.
The delegation members represent communities across U.S. and Europe and influence hundreds of thousands of Christians worldwide. They are visiting Israel as part of a special mission organized by Eagles’ Wings, one of the world’s leading Christian organizations dedicated to strengthening Christian-Jewish relations. Their decision to come at this particular moment is intended to send a clear and unequivocal message of support, solidarity, and partnership with the State of Israel and the Jewish people.
The delegation is led by Bishop Robert Stearns, Founder and President of Eagles’ Wings and one of the most prominent and influential pro-Israel voices in the evangelical world. Stearns and his team arrived in Israel on Sunday morning and were already in the country when the Iranian attack began. Like millions of Israeli citizens, they found themselves rushing to bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded across the country.
Bishop Robert Stearns, Founder and President of Eagles’ Wings, said, “We are witnessing an unprecedented wave of antisemitism directed at Israel, funded by the Muslim Brotherhood. At a time when many choose to judge Israel from afar, we chose to come and see the reality with our own eyes. These leaders could have stayed home. Instead, they boarded planes and came to Israel because true friendship is not tested in moments of comfort, but in moments of challenge. We came here to listen, to learn, and to become part of the front lines in the fight against antisemitism. Our response is simple: we will not be intimidated, and we will not remain silent. The message of this delegation is clear- Israel is not alone.”
Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said, “Anyone familiar with the Middle East understands that this war is part of a global struggle- a broader interfaith conflict that impacts the entire world, with the State of Israel standing on its front lines. At a time when missiles were being fired at us, these courageous leaders chose to board a plane and stand with us in Jerusalem. Their decision to come, especially during these challenging days, is a powerful testament to their deep commitment to the State of Israel and the Jewish people. The strong relationship with the international Christian community is of great value to the State of Israel. You are faithful ambassadors in the struggle of the State of Israel and the Jewish community against the spread of disinformation and propaganda directed against us around the world.”
Source:
www.jpost.com
